RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

What is the difference between SMA and SMC connectors?

SMA and SMC connectors are two common radio frequency (RF)

coaxial connector styles used in telecommunications, test equipment,

aerospace, defense, and other microwave applications.

Both connector types provide excellent electrical performance at

microwave and millimeter wave frequencies, but they have some distinct

differences in their design and usage. Understanding these differences

helps engineers select the right option for their specific application and

performance requirements.

This comprehensive guide examines the key similarities and differences

between SMA and SMC connectors in terms of design, performance,

applications, standards and more.

Table of Contents

SMA Connectors Overview

SMA (SubMiniature version A) connectors were introduced in the 1960s as

a smaller alternative to Type N and C connectors used at the time. The

SMA uses a snap-on coupling mechanism and offers broadband

performance up to 18 GHz in some configurations.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Key Features

 Compact threaded interface with snap-on coupling nut

 Designed for semi-rigid and flexible cables

 Widely used with test equipment, RF systems, microwave systems

 Provides DC-18 GHz frequency range typically

 Available in 50 ohm impedance

 Robust mechanical design

 Variants like reverse polarity SMA (RP-SMA)

SMA Connector

Where SMA Connectors are Used

SMA connectors are very popular for lower frequency microwave

applications including:

 Test and measurement equipment

 Telecommunication equipment

 Aerospace and military systems

 Antennas

 Medical devices

 General purpose RF and microwave component interconnections

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

They are ideal for applications not requiring the ruggedness or precision

of precision connectors. SMA strikes a good balance between

performance, cost, and ease of use.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote

SMC Connectors Overview

SMC (SubMiniature type C) connectors were introduced in the 1980s as a

smaller, higher performance alternative to SMA connectors. SMC uses a

threaded coupling interface and offers excellent broadband performance

to 26 GHz.

Key Features

 Lightweight threaded coupling interface

 Designed for semi-rigid cables

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

 Stable performance to 26+ GHz

 Broadband impedance of 50 ohms

 Precision machined parts

 Very low reflection coefficients

 Attenuation comparable to 2.92mm connectors

 Used for critical microwave connections



SMC Connector

Where SMC Connectors are Used

SMC connectors are well suited for high performance microwave

applications including:

 Aerospace and defense systems

 Satellite communications

 Test instrumentation

 Microwave radio links

 High speed data transmission

 Laboratory equipment

 Microwave component interfacing

Their precision and repeatability make them ideal for measurement,

production, and field use in demanding environments.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

SMA vs SMC Comparison

Now let’s look closely at how the two connector styles differ across various

attributes:

Parameter SMA Connector SMC Connector

Frequency range DC – 18 GHz DC – 26 GHz+
Impedance 50 ohms 50 ohms
Connector interface Threaded coupling nut Threaded coupler
Coupling nut material Nickel plated brass Stainless steel
Dielectric PTFE PTFE
Body styles Straight, bulkhead, jack, panel mount Straight, bulkhead
Durability 500 mating cycles 500+ mating cycles
RF leakage Good to 12 GHz Excellent to 18 GHz
Intermateability Connects with most SMA Primarily mates with SM
Cost Low cost Higher cost
Return loss Around -26 dB at 10 GHz -30 dB at 10 GHz
Repeatability Moderate Very high
Size Larger diameter More compact
Weight Heavier Lighter

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

As the table illustrates, SMC offers better electrical performance thanks to

its precision design but at a higher cost and lower intermateability than

SMA. Key differences are examined in more detail below.

Frequency Range

The SMA connector is intended for operation up to 18 GHz, while SMC

provides excellent performance to 26 GHz and beyond. So for microwave

applications above 18 GHz, the SMC is a better choice. Both connectors

work very well at lower microwave frequencies.

Impedance

SMA and SMC connectors both provide 50 ohm coaxial impedance for

matting with cables and components. This matches common RF system

impedance.

Connector Interface

SMA uses a threaded coupling nut that snaps onto the receptacle so it can

rotate independently. SMC utilizes a threaded coupler that engages

directly with the receptacle interface.

This difference means SMA connectors tend to be easier to thread

together, while SMC achieves better centering and microwave

performance.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Coupling Nut Material

On SMA connectors the coupling nut is nickel plated brass. SMC uses

passivated stainless steel for the coupler nut,

improving corrosion resistance. Stainless steel also has less mass,

reducing connector weight.

Dielectric Material

Both connector styles rely on PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) for the

insulator dielectric material. PTFE provides excellent electrical properties

at microwave frequencies along with chemical and temperature

resistance.

Body Styles

SMA is available in a wider range of body configuration including straight,

bulkhead, jack, panel mount and more. SMC tends to be offered in just

straight and bulkhead connector versions.

Durability

The SMA and SMC are rated for approximately 500 mating cycles before

performance degradation. This assumes proper mating and unmating

procedures are followed. SMC provides a little better cycle life on average.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

RF Leakage

SMC provides lower RF leakage than SMA, particularly at higher

frequencies. This improves signal integrity and measurement accuracy. At

10 GHz SMC leakage is around -65 dB versus -55 dB for SMA.

Intermateability

Due to their different interfaces, SMA and SMC connectors are primarily

intended to mate with same type. However, SMA connectors have some

intermateability with Type N and 3.5mm connectors, while SMC

connectors only reliably mate with other SMCs.

Cost

SMC connectors cost significantly more than SMA connectors, often 2-3

times as much. This is due to tighter tolerances and precision

manufacturing of SMC components.

Return Loss

Return loss describes how much signal power is reflected back due to

impedance mismatches in the connector. SMC provides excellent return

loss of -30 dB or better at 10 GHz. SMA return loss is around -26 dB

typically.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Repeatability

The SMC’s precision threaded interface allows greater mating repeatability

than SMA. This ensures consistent performance over many

connect/disconnect cycles.

Size

SMC connectors have a smaller diameter and take up less space than SMA

connectors. SMC’s compactness provides more connector density in

multi-connector assemblies.

Weight

Related to their size differences, SMC connectors are appreciably lighter

than SMA models. This provides weight savings which are important in

aerospace and portable applications.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote

SMA and SMC Standards

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

SMA and SMC connectors are standardized by different organizations:

 SMA – MIL-PRF-39012, IEC 61169-42

 SMC – MIL-PRF-39012, IEC 61169-65

These specifications define the critical dimensions, materials, electrical

properties, environmental testing levels and other requirements that

connectors must meet to be compliant.

Using connectors that adhere to the standards ensures interchangeability

between suppliers and reliability in the field. The standards documents

provide all the key technical details needed for manufacturers and users.

Typical Applications of SMA and SMC

SMA Applications

SMA connectors are very commonly used for:

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

 Antenna connections

 RF signal routing in wireless communications equipment

 Interfacing test equipment like signal generators, spectrum

analyzers, power meters and vector network analyzers

 Microwave component evaluation and prototyping

 General purpose coaxial jumpers and adapters

 Lower frequency aerospace and defense electronics

 Biomedical instruments like MRI machines

SMC Applications

SMC connectors are an excellent choice for:

 High performance aerospace and defense communications

 Fast data collection systems

 Microwave instrumentation and metrology

 High frequency antenna feeds

 Satellite payloads

 Microwave radio links

 Calibrated measurement port extensions

 Research labs and test facilities

 Microwave component characterization

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

So SMCs are often found where accuracy, precision, and repeatability are

paramount.

SMA and SMC Cable Assemblies

SMA and SMC connectors are frequently used on coaxial cable assemblies

and adapters for interfacing equipment. Common cable types assembled

with the connectors include:

Cable Type Description SMA Use SMC Use

Semi-rigid Solid inner conductor with dielectric/outer Common Most common
coax conductor tubing

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Cable Type Description SMA Use SMC Use

Flexible Center wire, dielectric, braided outer conductor Common Moderate use
coax
Waveguide Rectangular or circular metallic tube Via adapters Via adapters
Multi-cable Multiple coaxial lines bundled together Yes Limited use

Semi-rigid cables are the preferred medium for both connectors. Flexible

coax is more often used with SMA. Custom cable lengths, connector

orientation, and configurations can be fabricated for various applications.

Choosing Between SMA and SMC

So when selecting between SMA and SMC connectors, consider the

following:

Frequency Range – For applications over 18 GHz, SMC is likely the better

choice. Under 18 GHz, either will work well.

Precision – If repeatability and accuracy under mating/unmating is critical,

opt for SMC.

Performance – SMC provides lower reflection, leakage, and loss, so for

demanding applications it is preferred.

Cost – SMA costs less than SMC, so use SMA if budget is a major factor and

performance requirements are moderate.

Size – If a compact, lightweight connector is required, SMC is the smaller

choice.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Environment – SMC offers better corrosion resistance for outdoor and

humid applications.

Both connector families have proven reliability though, so performance

tradeoffs, cost, and other factors specific to the application should all be

weighed.

Conclusion

SMA and SMC connectors provide interconnect solutions across DC to 26+

GHz frequencies, with some important differences. SMA offers a balance

of modest size, weight, cost and performance. SMC provides top-tier

electrical performance for critical microwave connections, with tighter

tolerances and somewhat higher cost.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Engineers have the luxury of choosing between two excellent coaxial

connector platforms in SMA and SMC. By understanding their capabilities,

limitations, and tradeoffs, informed design decisions can be made

matching the connector technology to the demands of the application.

Both SMA and SMC will continue serving the RF and microwave

community well into the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common FAQs about SMA and SMC connectors:

Q: Can SMA and SMC connectors be mated together?

A: Direct mating is not recommended. The different interfaces can cause

damage. Adapters can allow interconnection in certain cases.

Q: How are SMA and SMC connectors identified when disconnected?

A: SMA has a larger nut with knurled brass surface. SMC uses a stainless

steel threaded coupler. Visual markings also differentiate.

Q: What causes wear out in SMA and SMC connectors?

A: Debris entering the precision interface, contamination, exposure to

weather extremes, improper mating, excessive mating cycles, etc. Proper

care improves longevity.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Q: What torque should be used when tightening SMA and SMC

connectors?

A: SMA is typically torqued to 4-5 in-lbs. SMC uses a lighter 0.9 in-lbs

torque to avoid deforming precision threads.

Q: Can SMA or SMC connectors be used above 40 GHz?

A: Performance declines dramatically above 26 GHz for SMC and 18 GHz

for SMA as coaxial modes are cut off. Other connector styles like 2.92mm

are better beyond 40 GHz.

Related Posts:

1. What are the different types of connectors for PCB?

2. What to Look For in Molex FPC Connectors

3. Understanding the integration between USB 3.1 Gen 2 and FPC

Connectors

4. What’s the Difference between EMI EMS and EMC ?

https://www.raypcb.com/sma-connector-pcb/

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/